Sundre's administration met with Alberta Transportation representatives near the end of November to discuss matters that affect the community locally and regionally, council heard recently.
Linda Nelson, the municipality's chief administrative officer, outlined some highlights of that discussion during the Dec. 11 meeting, and said that Mountain View County reeve Bruce Beattie as well as county councillor Angela Aalbers also attended the session with Alberta Transportation.
"The first topic discussed was access points along Highway 27," said Nelson, offering as additional background that the town's administration has been approached by developers that have expressed interested in developing along that corridor, which is under the provincial government's control.
"Alberta Transportation has agreed to meet with administration to discuss options for access to the highway, recognizing that we are dealing with a provincial highway, but in an urban context."
Snow removal on the roundabouts was discussed next, in particular, how the responsibilities for cost and maintenance will be shared, as well as how the project will be monitored, she said.
"On Dec. 5, a meeting was held with town staff and it was determined that we still have some work to do on the maintenance agreement. Currently, town staff have been helping Alberta Transportation's maintenance crews clear the mini-roundabouts after each snowfall as Transportation's maintenance contractor does not have the equipment to do this."
The municipality and the provincial department responsible for highways must define the scope of work for the town and the appropriate compensation. Additional details discussed with Alberta Transportation included problems with the flex posts, line painting and ongoing maintenance of the islands, she said.
Providing more educational resources for the public on the roundabouts was also a point of discussion, as was determining the most suitable method to collect, manage and receive feedback to determine the pilot project's overall success, she said.
"Council also requested a review of pedestrian safety measures along Highway 27 ó concern was expressed with regard to pedestrians crossing at the pedestrian light west of the access from Bergen Road," she said, adding Alberta Transportation plans to study potential locations for roundabouts across the province.
"This location has not been identified, but may be a possible site to consider."
Council had also requested information on how Sundre could be recognized as a regional facility for wastewater, including available funding for upgrades to the lagoon system, she said.
"We asked for the government's definition of what a regional system consists of. Alberta Transportation has committed to provide the town with contact information and support moving forward."
Administration also inquired during the conversation with provincial officials what Alberta Transportation's plans might be in place for a second bridge in the next 25-50 years, she said.
"Transportation discussed that a high level plan was developed in 2008, which included the possible need for a second bridge and bypass. The plan detailed that the most suitable site for the second bridge was to be placed a number of kilometres south of Sundre, which would require a realignment of Highway 27," she said.
However, administration was informed the secondary bridge was not part of the 25-year plan, but that Alberta Transportation would be willing to further discuss options with Sundre and Mountain View County, she said.
"They may also look at east-west traffic routes to pull traffic off of Highway 27."
Additionally, the west-end bridge in Sundre might even be considered for a sidewalk addition when Highway 27 is upgraded.
"This project is anticipated within the next number of years."
Administration will continue to update council with new information as the details become available, she said.
Council proceeded to carry a motion to accept her report as information.
